FM 17-98 SCOUT PLATOON

APPENDIX D
Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain
Because of the trend of increasing urbanization in every region of the globe, the potential is growing for US forces to
become embroiled in combat operations in urban settings. Known as MOUT, these operations are conducted on a
complex, three-dimensional battlefield. Characteristics of this area of operations include close, restricted terrain;
severely limited fields of fire and maneuver space for mounted elements; and virtually unlimited cover and
concealment for dismounted forces.
The urban battlefield presents commanders and leaders, including the scout platoon leaders and his subordinates, with
many challenges. At the tactical level, the platoon leader must decide how he will deal with the civilian population,
what tactics and weapons systems he can employ, and which key terrain within the city his unit must seize to achieve
designated objectives. The enemy may deliberately try to avoid engagement by entering and hiding within the
cluttered urban environment. On the other hand, he may have been forced to operate in and around an urban area
simply because much of his logistics support is located there.
In some instances, both combatants may simultaneously recognize that an urban area constitutes a decisive point on
the battlefield. Combat becomes unavoidable. In this uncertain environment, the scout platoon, whether it is charged
with gathering reconnaissance information or providing security to the friendly main body, can find itself conducting
MOUT.
NOTE: Refer to Appendix C of this manual for a discussion of stability and support operations, some of which are
conducted in the MOUT environment.
CONTENTS
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
General Considerations
Role of the Scout Platoon in MOUT
Conduct of MOUT
SECTION 1 — GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
The worldwide trend toward urbanization is making it increasingly difficult for military forces to avoid or to
physically bypass built-up areas. Many cities have grown explosively, their halted only by terrain that is unfavorable
to urban life and military operations alike. As a result, the only maneuver options available to commanders may
include attacking through urban areas.
Given the highly variable factors that must be taken into account, the friendly commander can be faced with the choice
of entering this environment to destroy the enemy, isolating the enemy within the urban area, or engaging the enemy
only if he emerges into more open terrain. In each instance, the commander’s reconnaissance effort is initially focused
on gathering information that will enable him to determine the best choice given the specific parameters of his
mission. After this choice has been made, reconnaissance focuses on obtaining information to support the desired
COA.
As the Army makes the transition from a forward-deployed force to one that relies on force projection, the capture of
ports and airfields will become increasingly significant during forced-entry operations. Such operations will invariably
occur in urban terrain, with the attacking force attempting to secure of adjacent urban areas that will permit it to
establish (and subsequently expand) its initial lodgment.
In addition, the capture of cities can provide significant resources that the attacker who then use to his advantage. For
example, cities lie along key lines of communications and provide a tactical advantage to the commander who controls
them. Control of key infrastructure such as bridges, telephone exchanges, and water and electrical
generating/distribution stations can significantly influence both the actions of both the local population and the enemy.
Battalion scouts can expect to receive missions to locate critical structures and facilities, as well as to identify enemy